• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2018

Objective: This study aimed to predict balance and gait abilities with the Trunk Impairment scales (TIS) in persons with stroke. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Sixty-eight participants with stoke were assessed with the TIS, Berg Balance scale (BBS), and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) by a therapist. To describe of general characteristics, we used descriptive and frequency analyses, and the TIS was used as a predictive variable to determine the BBS. In the simple regression analysis, the TIS was used as a predictive variable for the BBS and FGA, and the TIS and BBS were used as predictive variables to determine the FGA in multiple regression analysis. Results: In the group with a BBS score of >45 for regression equation for predicting BBS score using TIS score, the coefficient of determination ($R^2$) was 0.234, and the $R^2$ was 0.500 in the group with a BBS score of ${\leq}45$. In the group with an FGA score >15 for regression equation for predicting FGA score using TIS score, the $R^2$ was 0.193, and regression equation for predicting FGA score using TIS score, the $R^2$ was 0.181 in the group of FGA score ${\leq}15$. In the group of FGA score >15 for regression equation for predicting FGA score using TIS and BBS score, the $R^2$ was 0.327. In the group of FGA score ${\leq}15$ for regression equation for predicting FGA score using TIS and BBS score, the $R^2$ was 0.316. Conclusions: The TIS scores are insufficient in predicting the FGA and BBS scores in those with higher balance ability, and the BBS and TIS could be used for predicting variables for FGA. However, TIS is a strong predictive variable for persons with stroke who have poor balance ability.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.131-139
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• 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based core stabilization exercise on upper extremity function, postural control, and depression among persons with stroke with hemiplegia. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: This study was conducted with the inclusion of 24 participants and were randomly assigned to either the VR-based trunk stability exercise group (n=12) or control group (n=12). The VR-based trunk stability exercise group performed core stabilization exercises in a VR environment for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the control group conducted general core stabilization exercises for 30 minutes. The participants trained 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The manual functional test (MFT), Box and Block Test (BBT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were used to assess all participants before and after the intervention. Results: The VR-based core stabilization exercise group had a significant improvement in upper extremity function (MFT, BBT) and postural control (BBS) compared with the control group (p<0.05). The VR-based core stabilization exercise showed a significant difference after intervention in the TIS and GDS scores (p<0.05), but they did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusions: The result showed that VR-based core stabilization exercise can be effective in improving upper extremity function and postural control among patients with stroke more than the sole application of general physical therapy.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.359-370
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• 2022

Purpose: Physical therapists are required to properly choose the most appropriate treatment for each patient within the framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF model). The aims of this study were to determine whether neurological physical therapists in clinical settings in South Korea know about the ICF model and to investigate the current trends of outcome measures (OMs) used by them. Methods: Two hundred and one physical therapists who worked with patients with neurological disorders participated in this study. The survey was conducted via e-mail and asked about commonly used OMs and the considerations for selecting OMs. Results: All physical therapists involved in this study responded completely, and 45.8% of participants learned about the ICF model, while 37.3% understood the detailed information related to the ICF model. The rest of the participants did not know or just heard about the ICF model. The most frequently used tools at the body function/structure level were the Range of Motion (98%), Manual Muscle Test (97%), Berg Balance Scale (83.1%), and Modified Ashworth Scale (70.6%) when allowing repetition. At the activity level, the 10-meter walk test (71.1%), 6-minute walk test (54.2%), and Functional Ambulatory Category (43.3%) were used, while the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (23.9%) was used at the participation level. There was a positive relationship between the number of tools used and years of work, as well as the level of understanding of the ICF model. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that it is necessary to learn the ICF model in a clinical setting. In addition, the medical system needs to be modified to encourage physical therapists in South Korea to use proper OMs within the ICF model.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.75-86
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• 2024

A review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using electroacupuncture (EA) to treat patients with foot drop was performed to analyze the effectiveness of EA for this condition. Relevant studies (n = 183) from 7 databases (Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica Database, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Korean Studies Information Service System, Research Information Sharing Service, and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System) were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 12 RCTs met the selection criteria. In all 12 studies, EA showed significantly positive changes. In most indicators, positive changes were observed in the EA group compared with that in the control group. Significant increases were confirmed in muscle strength-related indicators such as the Fugl-Meyer motor scale, surface electromyography, active range of motion, and gait-related indicators such as the Tinetti score, maximum walking speed, and Berg balance scale. No notable adverse events were reported. EA is suggested as an effective treatment for post-stroke foot drop; however, more RCTs are required.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.225-233
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• 2023

This case study reports the clinical effect of Korean medicine treatment on vascular disease of spinal cord. A 58-year-old female patient was diagnosed as vascular disease of spinal cord and treated with combined Korean medicine treatment such as acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, herbal medication, and physical therapy for 16 days. The patient was assessed for International Standard for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Numeral Rating Scale (NRS). After treatment, total scores of ISNCSCI, BBS, and NRS were numerically improved. Also symptoms of neurogenic bladder were improved. This study suggests that Korean medicine treatment could be effective treatment for vascular disease of spinal cord.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.77-88
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• 2019

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to show the effectiveness of Chuna Manual Therapy applied to a osteoporosis patient with gait disturbance due to lower limb fracture surgery. Method : We focused on Chuna therapy accompanied with acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping treatment and rehabilitation exercise. This case was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Free Walking Distance (PFWD), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI). Result : This patient showed improvement on the VAS from 6 to 3, PFWD from 0 m to 2000 m using a walker and 50 m by self-walking, BBS from 2 to 28, and MBI from 56 to 89. Moreover the walking state improved from gait disturbance to self-walking. Conclusion : This study suggests that Chuna therapy could be used to improve gait disturbance in patients with osteoporosis and lower limb fracture surgery.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.61-66
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of action observation training (AOT) on the balance and cognition of the elderly with dementia. Methods: Twenty-four participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups (12 participants each). The 5-week intervention involved 45 minutes sessions, three times a week. Both groups did 30 minutes of general physical exercises, followed by the experimental group watching a 5 minutes video featuring functional movements and imitating them for 10 minutes. The control group watched a scenic video and did functional training for 10 minutes, mimicking the experimental group. All participants were evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Functional Reaching Test (FRT), Berg's Balance Scale (BBS), and Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) before and after the intervention. A paired t-test was conducted to compare the within-group change before and after the intervention. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to compare the between-group difference. The statistical significance level was set to p=0.05 for all variables. Results: The experimental group showed significant within-group changes in the TUG test, FRT, BBS, and K-MMSE (p<0.05). The control group showed a significant change in FRT and K-MMSE (p<0.05). A significant difference was observed between the experimental group and the control group regarding the change in the TUG test, BBS, and K-MMSE after the interventions (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the AOT and repetition of actual movements, led to more significant improvements in balance and cognitive abilities compared to the control group that observed scenic landscapes.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.303-310
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• 2013

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the correlation of clinical tools for assessment of balance and ability of gait, in order to discriminate the phases of sit-to-walk movement of patients with stroke using the motion analysis system, and to investigate the reliability of the phase of sit-to-walk movement according to functional ability of patients with stroke. Methods: Twenty -one patients participated (men 17, women 4) in this study. Sit-to-walk movement of all patients was recorded by the motion analysis system. Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach Test, 10 meter Walk Timed Test, and Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment were used as functional assessment tools. Results: The results of this study showed significant correlation between the phase I, II, IV and total phase duration of sit-to-walk movement and functional assessment tools. In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed high reliability in accordance with the functional ability of patients with stroke (Pearson's r 0.93 to 1.00). Conclusion: In conclusion, there is high reliability between measures of the phase of sit-to-walk movement of chronic stroke patients and the clinical assessment tool. Results of this study suggest that measurement of the phase of sit-to-walk movement can be used significantly as an intervention and a clinical tool for patients with stroke.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.9-17
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• 2019

PURPOSE: This research was designed to study the correlations between physical activities such as foot sensory impairment, balance and ambulatory abilities, as well as fall risk factors and mental activities such as cognitive performance and depression in order to provide fundamental data for the prevention of falling in the elderly. METHODS: A total of 36 elderly people over the age of 65 years who voluntarily joined the research were selected as subjects. Sensory perception in both feet was measured by using a monofilament in 10 parts with each part given one point. The points for each foot were integrated to analyze the correlations between physical and mental activities indices, and the results were analyzed by using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The results of this research show that the extent to which senses in feet were impaired was correlated to TUG, a functional activity index involved in tranfers, gait, and turning movements, which was correlated to BBS (balance index) as well as MMSE-K and K-GDS (mental activities index). BBS was interrelated to FES-K (physical activities index) and MMSE-K. The muscular strength of the right ankle dorsiflexor had mutual relations with FES-K. CONCLUSION: The results of this research indicate that TUG is widely correlated to foot sensory impairment as well as general physical and mental activities in elderly people. BBS was also shown to be correlated with TUG, FES-K, and MMSE-K. Thus, it might be necessary that TUG and BBS be included as two items in physical and mental check-ups for the elderly, and further studies on correlations using evaluation items for physical and mental activities should lead to the simplification of the evaluation criteria.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.37-45
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• 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of treadmill training on gait, balance, and trunk control in a patient with hemiparesis. A female subject who had suffered a left hemiparesis 12 months previously was selected for this study. A single subject ABA design was used. Eight data-collection sessions were conducted during each of three phases (baseline-intervention-withdrawal). During baseline and withdrawal phases, the treatment based on Bobath approach was performed for the subject, and during the intervention phase, treadmill walking training was added. Assessment tools were made using the 10 m walk test, Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment(RVGA), Berg Balance Scale(BBS), and a seated Lateral Reach Test(LRT). During the intervention phase, the time measured in 10 m walk test and the scores of RVGA and BBS were significantly improved, and the number of steps in 10 m walk test and LRT showed a small improvement. During withdrawal phase, the time measured in 10 m walk test and the scores of RVGA and BBS were shown the carry-over effect. This findings indicate that treadmill training has significant effect to gait function and balance in a patient with chronic hemiparesis.